(meteorobs) Someone please set me straight?

[Paul Howe]

Dear list,

First, I don't know if there is a max limit of postings here per day, and
with this being my third today, I apologize if there is a limit.

Earlier I posted a few questions and was flooded with lots of nice replies
and some good advice.  Thank you all.

Then, I received some curious emails, not from any official email addresses,
but yahoo & hotmail , etc accounts.  I was told that others are already
looking for this meteor and to forward my info to them and basically BACK
OFF ! .. 

What's up with this?  Do I need some secret decoder ring to go look for a
rock?  What am I missing here?  Would some of the nice ones that replied
earlier email me again & let me know what policy is here?  I have a pretty
good idea where this thing landed, the witness saw it hit and the flash &
dust plume after.  For both the science of it and the possible finders fee,
I am quite interested in pursuing this, unless there are some here so
zealous as to cause me harm if I continue?

I already spoke with the "officials" in the local area and they suggested
that I go find it.

Thanks again, 99% of the replies I received today were very kind and
helpful.

Paul